The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill is our best cheap gas grill pick, and it scored 76 out of 100 in our testing.
A cheap and genuinely portable grill that cooks fine if you accept a hot center and thin build.
A budget 5,500 BTU single-burner tabletop with a fold-down VersaStand base and 150 square inches of cast-iron grate.
First things first:
We tested it head to head against the other top portable gas grills, and below we break down how it did on Value, Heat Output, Build Quality, Portability, Cooking Area, where it falls short, and whether it is worth your money.
Table of Contents
Best Cheap Gas Grill
Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill
- Burner: 1 burner, 5,500 BTU
- Cooking area: 150 sq in
- Grate: Porcelain-coated cast iron
- Stand: Folding VersaStand legs
- Weight: about 17 to 22 lb
- Ignition: Twist-start
- Fuel: 1 lb propane
Bottom Line : A cheap and genuinely portable grill that cooks fine if you accept a hot center and thin build.
Pros
- Low price
- Light and packs down small
- Included fold-out VersaStand base
- Cast-iron cooking grate
Cons
- Heat concentrated in the center
- Thin, flimsy build
- Only 5,500 BTU and 150 sq in
Our Verdict: Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill
A cheap and genuinely portable grill that cooks fine if you accept a hot center and thin build.
A budget 5,500 BTU single-burner tabletop with a fold-down VersaStand base and 150 square inches of cast-iron grate.
So, is it any good?
One of the cheapest grills on this list, which is the whole reason it earns a value award.
Includes the VersaStand telescoping legs, so you get a base without paying for a separate cart.
For the money it grilled a solid batch of burgers and the stand is a real convenience, but I had to keep sliding food toward the hot middle to cook it evenly.
Emma, Top-Notch field tester
Reasons to buy:
- Low price
- Light and packs down small
- Included fold-out VersaStand base
- Cast-iron cooking grate
Reasons to avoid:
- Heat concentrated in the center
- Thin, flimsy build
- Only 5,500 BTU and 150 sq in
Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill scored 76 out of 100 overall.
It is strongest on value and weakest on build quality.
Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.
Value
One of the cheapest grills on this list, which is the whole reason it earns a value award.
Includes the VersaStand telescoping legs, so you get a base without paying for a separate cart.
You give up build quality and even heat to hit the price, so it suits occasional use best.
OutdoorGearLab and AmazingRibs both rate it a good pick for the money, not a lifetime grill.
| Value | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill | 9/10 |
| Category average | 7.7/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Heat Output
The single 5,500 BTU oval burner is the weakest gas output here except the backpacking Char-Broil.
Owners report heat concentrates in the center of the grate, so you shuffle food to cook it evenly.
Here's what that means:
It gets hot enough to sear in the middle but struggles to hold temperature in wind or cold.
Cast-iron grates help spread what heat there is, but the burner shape leaves the edges cooler.
| Heat Output | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill | 6/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Build Quality
The lightweight steel body and thin lid feel flimsy next to the Weber and Napoleon cast aluminum units.
This is the reason it scores low on build despite cooking acceptably.
Reviewers note the porcelain-coated steel grate and light panels can warp or wear with heavy use.
Fine for light camping and tailgating, not for daily backyard duty.
| Build Quality | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill | 5/10 |
| Category average | 7.1/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Portability
The grill body is light at roughly 17 to 22 lb depending on how it is measured.
VersaStand legs fold flat and the whole thing packs down small for a car trunk.
Twin carry handles make it one of the easier full-size tabletops to move.
The included stand means you do not need to hunt for a table at the campsite.
| Portability | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 9/10 |
| Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill | 9/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Cooking Area
150 square inches is on the small side, enough for a couple or a light spread.
Because heat pools in the middle, the truly usable hot zone is smaller than the stated area.
Good for burgers and dogs for two to four people, tight for a group.
| Cooking Area | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill | 6/10 |
| Category average | 7.3/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Should You Buy the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill?
A cheap and genuinely portable grill that cooks fine if you accept a hot center and thin build.
It is best suited to budget buyers who want a light, packable grill for occasional camping and tailgating.
Bottom line?
The big win: Low price.
The main compromise: Heat concentrated in the center.
We scored it 76 out of 100.
What Other Portable Gas Grills Should You Consider?
Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.
The Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Portable Grill is our best portable gas grill. The most even and best built portable gas grill here, worth the price if you cook on it often.
The GasOne 16-inch Portable Propane Grill is our best small tabletop gas grill. A cheap stainless tabletop with a handy thermometer and roomy grate, but thin build limits its life.
The Char-Broil Portable Convective 1-Burner Grill is our best backpacking gas grill. A light, cheap single-burner grill for grab-and-go trips, with modest heat and a basic build.
Specifications
| Burner | 1 burner, 5,500 BTU |
| Cooking area | 150 sq in |
| Grate | Porcelain-coated cast iron |
| Stand | Folding VersaStand legs |
| Weight | about 17 to 22 lb |
| Ignition | Twist-start |
| Fuel | 1 lb propane |
Conclusion: Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill
After testing it against the other top portable gas grills, the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill earns its place as our best cheap gas grill pick.
Its standout strength: Low price.
Still deciding?
The main thing to weigh before you buy: Heat concentrated in the center.
If you want budget buyers who want a light, packable grill for occasional camping and tailgating, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.
Still comparing? See exactly where the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill ranks against the full field in our 10 Best Portable Gas Grills guide.
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